What to pack for Costa Rica in December
7 nights · 75–88°F / 24–31°C · December is the start of dry season on the Pacific side, but the Caribbean coast and cloud forests can still get rain
clothes
- lightweight, breathable tops you can wear more than once
- quick-dry shorts
- 1-2 pairs of lightweight long pants for bugs and evenings
- 2 swimsuits so one can dry
- light rain shell for sudden showers
- fleece or light sweater for cool cloud forest mornings
- wide-brim hat
- moisture-wicking socks for trail days
for the jungle and beach days
- broken-in hiking boots or shoes for muddy trails
- water shoes for rocky rivers and beaches
- dry bag for boat trips and waterfalls
- waterproof phone pouch
- rain cover for your daypack
- reef safe sunscreen, since the sun is strong near the equator
- binoculars for spotting wildlife
toiletries + meds
- reef safe sunscreen, reapplied often
- insect repellent, especially at dawn and dusk
- aloe gel for sunburn
- electrolyte packets for hot, humid days
- motion sickness tablets for winding roads and boats
- antihistamines for bites and allergies
- band-aids and blister pads
- prescriptions in original bottles
the stuff you always forget
- passport, with its expiration date checked before you go
- printed or saved return flight confirmation
- small bills for tips, snacks and rural stops
- slim power bank for long travel days
- reusable water bottle, since tap water is safe in most towns but ask locally
- no plug adapter needed, because outlets match US ones
- tickets and reservations saved offline